The now 14-year-old boy, identified only as C.S., was taken away from his family when he was two — having been born to a home where his mother struggled with addiction and his father was in and out of jail, according to a notice of civil claim.

The Public Guardian and Trustee of B.C., established by provincial legislation to protect the legal and financial interests of minors, filed the suit on Monday.

It claims the ministry failed in its duty to care for the boy. It claims the boy was hit, forced to take cold showers, fed hot sauce, spanked, had his mouth washed out with soap and was held underwater by other kids.

Public Guardian and Trustee Catherine Romanko said on Tuesday the suit could provide financial relief for C.S. in the future.